Tips for Keeping Outdoor Dogs Cool in Summer
In summer, Texas is prone to heat waves. You may step outside on certain days and think to yourself the weather isn’t all that bad, but consider your dog for a moment.
Hot weather is the breeding ground for ticks and fleas. Your pet will need more clean, fresh drinking water and a cool place to rest. With their coat for added protection, what seems seasonably warm to you could be magnified for them.
Dogs, our furry and faithful best friends, are much like children in that they need constant care, love and supervision to be healthy and happy. The responsible pet owner will see to it that their dog has a safe environment, including everything they’ll need in which to grow and thrive thoughout their life.
Therefore, it is important during these summer months, especially in times of extreme heat, to make sure your dog always stays fresh and cool. Simply follow these tips to ensure your pet’s health and safety.
Ten Amazing Tips You Need to Know
- Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water in a shady area. On hot days, add ice cubes to water and change more frequently to resist evaporation. Also, it is an excellent idea to make sure the dish is secure and not likely to be tipped over.
- Dogs, unlike cats, are not efficient to keeping cool during hot days and need special attention that other pets may not require. If your dog has a heavy undercoat, make sure to have it brushed regularly during the summer months to avoid overheating, and be sure to check with your veterinarian to see how much of a trim is in order. Some dogs to not benefit from having a complete grooming as their top coats are meant to act as sun block.
- Fair skinned animals can get sunburned. Nose and ears are especially vulnerable in the summer sun. You can find sunscreen made for pets, but in reality, any PABA-free sunscreen will do. Sports type sunscreen with its waterproof qualities can help your furry friend beat the heat this season without risk of skin trauma from a burn. Dogs and cats can develop skin cancer just like people and should be protected when out in the sun for extended periods.
- Dogs that venture outside can benefit from a limitation of specific times they are allowed to indulge in their outdoor romps. Keeping pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day and allowing them access to the outdoors in the relative cool of the early morning and late evening.
- Providing large, animal proportionate sized ice packs can provide some relief as well. Many animals enjoy draping themselves or resting against these safe pet items.
- Provide plenty of shade for dogs that are spending time outdoors. Several outdoor spots are recommended since the position of the sun will change throughout the day altering many of the shady areas.
- An inexpensive hard plastic baby pool (to avoid being popped by enthusiastic nails) can be a real treat for dogs (and even some cats) in the summer heat. Not only can this provide optional cooling, but a source of drinking water as well. Be sure the properly asses the depth of the water for at-risk animals such as puppies, etc.
- Remember, if you allow your dog to swim in chlorinated or salt water, that it leaves their coats damaged just as it does to human hair. Chlorinated or salt water tends to leave coats dry and brittle, which in turn reduces their natural protective qualities.
- Considering installing a temperature alarm montiro in your RV if you plan on leaving your dog inside while away. These alarms can call a programmed number if the temperature inside your RV rises or drops below set temperatures.
- Recognize the signs of animal heat stroke. Some of these include (but are not limited to) heavy panting, a rapid heartbeat, glazed eyes, fever, dizziness, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, lack of coordination, deep red gums and tongue, vomiting, and unconsciousness. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, you must act quickly. Apply cool (not cold) water to the head, neck, and chest, move the animal to a cool/shady place and allow small sips of water. Make sure to take your pet directly to a veterinarian!
